Thrush

From LoveToKnow Pregnancy

Thrush is a yeast infection of your breasts. It is becoming more common in breastfeeding mothers and may be caused by the antibiotics given to women during labor.

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What Is Thrush?

Thrush is also called candida, monilia, or yeast. It’s a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, moist environments such as the mouth, vagina, diaper area, skin folds, bra pad, and wet nipples. It is the same yeast involved in vaginal yeast infections. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you have a high risk of getting thrush. It is also extremely common after a dose of antibiotics, especially antibiotics given in childbirth.

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If I Have It, Does My Baby?

Yes! Your baby will experience oral thrush which looks like white, cottage-cheese-like patches on the tongue and sides of the mouth. You also may notice thrush in a diaper rash. Your pediatrician should be able to tell you whether the rash is caused by yeast.

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What Are the Symptoms?

Sore nipples that burn, itch, and may be a pinkish color.
Shooting pains during or just after feedings.
Suddenly sore nipples after weeks or months of pain-free breastfeeding.

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How Do I Prevent Thrush?

Eat yogurt that contains live and active cultures.
Expose your nipples to sunlight and lay your bra out in the sun.
Air dry your nipples after feedings. Don’t put your bra or shirt back on immediately after feedings.
Change nursing pads after each feeding--whether or not they feel wet.
Try to avoid plastic-lined breast pads.
Wear 100% cotton bras and wash them in hot water. You can also add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to kill the fungus.
Rinse your areolas and nipples in a vinegar rinse. Use 1 cup water to 1 tablespoon vinegar and toss out any unused solution after 24 hours.
Make sure you wash breast shields, bottles, nipples, toys, pump parts and anything else that comes in contact with your breasts or your baby’s mouth. Boil these things in water for five minutes daily.
Change and wash towels and washcloths after every use.
Don’t freeze your milk if you’re infected.

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What if I Still Get It?

If you’ve tried all the above preventions and still have thrush, consult your care provider. He or she will probably recommend the following treatments:

You will be prescribed an antifungal cream for your nipples. Use as directed.
Your care provider may prescribe an oral anti-fungal suspension for your baby’s mouth. Again, use as directed by your care provider.
Your care provider may treat your baby’s diaper rash with an anti-fungal cream.
You may be prescribed oral acidophilus.

If you’re still infected, your partner may also be infected. Yes, men can get yeast infections though they usually have no symptoms. Have your partner talk to his health care provider about treatments.

If you’ve tried everything and still have no relief, you may have systemic yeast--yeast that is all over your body. Your care provider will suggest more aggressive treatments. You also may try cutting all alcohol, sugar, and bread products from your diet for a while. Yeast does thrive on what we eat.

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In Conclusion

Though it may be uncomfortable, you should still try to breastfeed (or at least pump your milk) through a thrush infection. If you suddenly stop breastfeeding your infection may grow worse or you may get mastitis (an inflammation of the breast tissue).

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